Following the Pulwama Attacks on February 14 this year, IMG Reliance and DSport who were the producers and broadcasters for Pakistan Super League 2019 pulled out of the tournament midway. Terror group Jaish- E- Mohammed had claimed the responsibility for the attack which claimed the lives of 45 CRPF men. Even Cricbuzz and Dream11 imposed a ban on the PSL 2019. However, this move from IMG hasn’t gone down well with Shahid Afridi and has slammed the producer for pulling away from the tournament midway. He also went on to label the producers as “uneducated” and said that it’s for the fans to know who is friends with the country in the difficult times. PSL 2019: Cricbuzz & Dream11 Ban Pakistan Super League 2019 Post Pulwama Attack.

In an interview, Afridi said, “You find out who your friends are at difficult times. What are they trying to show the world that they are educated? Educated people don't behave in such a manner.” He also defended Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s statement and said that India was putting the blame on Pakistan without any evidence and the country wishes to have good relations with all its neighbours including China, Afghanistan and Iran. BCCI Requests ICC to Ban Pakistan from Participating in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Following Pulwama Attack: Report.

Meanwhile, COA Chief Vinod Rai has also asked BCCI CEO Rahul Johri to request ICC to ban Pakistan from the World Cup for housing terrorists.  However, Diana Edulji is not in favour of the same. Many cricketers including Harbhajan Singh have asked India to boycott the match with Pakistan during the upcoming World Cup 2019.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2019 05:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).